Circuito Costero

Along the coast of San Julián is the Circuito Costero, which visits a variety of natural and historical sites dappled with the constant presence of birds (22 km / 14 mi one way). A small lighthouse marks Paso de la Isla, a narrow channel between the mainland and Isla Cormorán. A few kilometers onward is Tumba Sholl, the final resting spot of Lieutenant Robert Sholl of HMS The Beagle. After five kilometers (3 mi) are the ruins of the ex-Frigorífico, or the Swift Company packing plant. Cabo Curioso (11 km / 6.6 mi) caught the curiosity of Charles Darwin. These cliffs, also called Punta Cuevas, are encrusted with 35-75 year-old marine fossils. The road continus to edge the coast, past more beaches, to Segundo Cabo (Punta Peñas), before ending at La Lobería, a colony of lobo marino de un pelo (South American sea lion, Otera flavescens) (22 km / 14 mi).

Location:

Head north out of town on Avenida San Martín towards Ruta Nacional 3. After about one kilometer (0.6 mi) is the signed turn-off for the Vía Lucis and the Circuito Costero. Three kilometers (1.8 mi) down this side road is a triple crossroads. The left fork goes straight on to Vía Crucis and La Lobería. The middle one is an inland road to the ex-Frigorífico. The far right branch, the Circuito Chico, edges the coast, passing Paso de la Isla and Tumba Sholl before meeting the middle fork at the ex-Frigorífico.

If walking, walk up Avenida San Martín as far as the Petrobras gas station and turn right on Cameron. Upon reaching the cemetery, turn left, walking past the city dump to the triple crossroads. This road is impassable with a vehicle.

Beach

Getting There

Travel Tips:

All distances given are from the triple crossroads.

Between the Frigórifico and Cabo Curioso is Camping Las Bombas, about 1.5 kilometer (1 mi) off the main road (bathhouse, showers, firpits; free). At Cabo Curioso are latrines and a picnic area. Several of these beaches are designated for fishing. Herds of wild horses graze in the area.

Stay on the main roads. There are many unsigned tracks cutting across the landscape and you may get lost. The tourism office has a rudimentary map of the circuit.

Price Description:

Free

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Dawn

Open Hours to:Dusk

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring:

Food (a picnic is nice), plenty of water; sun screen, hat; a jacket, as even a slight breeze can make it chilly.

Currencies accepted
Argentine Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 29 Oct 2009

Updated: 13 Nov 2009

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